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H5799 · Hebrew · Old Testament
עֲזָאזֵל
Azazel
Proper noun / Noun
Scapegoat / Azazel

Definition

Azazel appears four times in Leviticus 16, exclusively in the context of the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) ritual. The precise meaning is debated: it may be a place name (a remote wilderness), the name of a demonic entity, or a compound meaning "goat of departure" (ez azal — goat that goes away). In the ritual, one goat was sacrificed and one was sent into the wilderness "for Azazel."

Usage & Theological Significance

The scapegoat ritual powerfully dramatizes the removal of sin from the covenant community. While one goat's blood atoned for sin (making it possible to stand before a holy God), the Azazel-goat visually demonstrated the complete removal of guilt — carried far away, never to return. This two-goat ritual previews the double-blessing of Christ's atonement: His blood cleanses our guilt and His resurrection removes the power of sin (Romans 4:25). Sin is not merely covered but expelled.

Key Bible Verses

Leviticus 16:8 He is to cast lots for the two goats — one lot for the LORD and the other for Azazel.
Leviticus 16:10 But the goat chosen by lot as the scapegoat shall be presented alive before the LORD to be used for making atonement by sending it into the wilderness as a scapegoat [Azazel].
Leviticus 16:21–22 Aaron shall lay both hands on the head of the live goat and confess over it all the wickedness... and send the goat away into the wilderness.
Isaiah 53:6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
Psalm 103:12 As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

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